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BYD Dolphin vs MG MG4 Urban comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 160 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 21,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or MG MG4 Urban?

BYD Dolphin vs MG MG4 Urban: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • only slightly more electric range
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

MG MG4 Urban

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • somewhat lighter
  • visibly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Dolphin

Quick take: BYD Dolphin VS MG MG4 Urban

BYD Dolphin VS MG MG4 Urban puts a well‑equipped, comfort‑biased hatch against a value‑packed, space‑first rival. The BYD Dolphin leans into tech and a soft, easy city ride while the MG MG4 Urban prioritises cargo room, rear legroom and the lowest entry price. Both are pragmatic electric hatchbacks aimed at everyday buyers, but they approach that brief from different angles: BYD sells convenience and kit, MG sells usable volume and economy. If you want lots of standard features and a relaxed urban cruiser, BYD stands out; if you need the biggest boot and a firmer price‑for‑space deal, the MG is more convincing.

MG4 Urban

Driving character and highway manners

The BYD Dolphin feels livelier off the line and delivers a more relaxed, cushioned ride around town, but that softness translates into more body roll and an unsettled feel at higher speeds. The MG MG4 Urban is the steadier companion on straighter roads—more planted and predictable, with a firmer suspension that sacrifices a little urban plushness for composure. BYD’s gentler setup makes it a nicer city shuttle but invites more steering corrections on fast lanes, whereas MG’s tauter calibration is less coddling yet more confidence‑inspiring at motorway paces. If you favour pep and comfort in daily traffic pick BYD Dolphin; if you prefer a stable, unflappable carriage on longer stretches opt for the MG MG4 Urban.

Dolphin

Comfort, noise and long‑distance usability

For short hops and school runs the BYD Dolphin’s softer springs hide bumps and make progress relaxed, while its cabin tuning keeps low‑speed noise in check. The MG MG4 Urban tends to be firmer and a bit more vocal over coarse tarmac and at higher speeds, so long motorway runs feel more work in the MG unless you prioritise its stability. Neither car is a long‑haul specialist: both will do acceptable daily ranges but both need realistic expectations for fast‑charging pauses on long trips, which can lengthen travel time. Choose BYD Dolphin for cosseted city-to-commute comfort and MG MG4 Urban if you want steadiness and a luggage advantage on family getaways.

Practicality and everyday usability

The MG MG4 Urban clearly wins on luggage and modular storage: a very large boot and underfloor space make it easier to pack for holidays and bulky shopping runs. The BYD Dolphin, in contrast, surprises with exceptional rear passenger accommodation and an unusually generous second row that can tip the scales for families who prioritise back‑seat comfort. MG’s lower starting price, generous warranty and big boot are persuasive for cost‑conscious buyers who need cargo-first practicality, while BYD’s 360° camera, V2L and extra ISOFIX flexibility make daily life simpler for parents and tech‑pragmatists. The trade‑off is simple: choose the MG for haulage and value, choose the BYD for passenger comfort and convenience features.

Cabin feel, controls and perceived quality

The BYD Dolphin’s interior is more playful and gadget‑heavy, with lots of tech turned on by default but fewer physical controls, so you trade tactile immediacy for a richer spec sheet. The MG MG4 Urban feels more utilitarian: sober styling, more physical knobs and a simpler menu flow that some will find easier to live with, even if many surfaces are hard plastic. BYD’s layout can feel fussy in day‑to‑day operation, whereas MG’s approach is functional and fast to use, which matters in cold mornings or quick errands. If you value a techy cabin and bundled features, BYD Dolphin wins on perceived bang‑for‑buck; if you want straightforward ergonomics and orthodox controls, MG MG4 Urban is the calmer choice.

Buyer fit — who should consider each car?

If your priority is rear‑seat comfort, lots of standard kit and a soft, city‑friendly ride, the BYD Dolphin suits families and tech‑minded commuters who prefer convenience over sporty driver feel. If you need the maximum boot, the lowest outlay for interior space and a straightforward, economical daily tool with a long warranty, the MG MG4 Urban is the better match. Both have compromises for long motorway runs and fast‑charging expectations, so buyers who regularly tackle very long distances should weigh charging behaviour carefully. Read on to the technical comparison to see how those practical differences map to power, weight, range and charging behaviour for a final decision tailored to your priorities.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Dolphin

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

MG MG4 Urban is clearly cheaper – starting at 21,400 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,271 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the MG MG4 Urban is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.3 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 0.6 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers only slightly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 11 km more than the MG MG4 Urban.

MG4 Urban

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BYD Dolphin offers markedly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 160 HP. That’s roughly 44 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the MG MG4 Urban takes 9.5 s. That’s about 2.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers moderately more torque with 310 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 60 Nm more.

Dolphin

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, MG MG4 Urban is somewhat lighter – 1,460 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 198 kg.

Looking at boot space, the MG MG4 Urban offers visibly more boot space – 479 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 134 L.

When it comes to payload, the MG MG4 Urban carries very slightly more – 450 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 40 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin holds a slight edge in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 427 km
BYD Dolphin
MG MG4 Urban

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.

details

MG MG4 Urban

The MG4 Urban is an affordable, well‑packaged electric hatchback that balances everyday practicality with a surprisingly roomy cabin and confident handling. It’s a smart choice if you want an easy-to-live-with EV that focuses on value and usable range rather than luxury frills.

details
BYD Dolphin
MG MG4 Urban

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
21,400 - 27,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.3 - 15.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
325 - 416 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,460 - 1,520 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
470 - 479 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,842 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
450 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
150 - 160 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.5 - 9.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
110 - 118 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2023
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
MG
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.